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Software Engineering Project Manager Jobs in California

Engineering Project Manager

Bakersfield, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

The Engineering Project Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing projects from initiation ... Advanced computer skills and in-depth knowledge of relevant software, such as MS Office Suite

- ENGINEERING PROJECT MANAGER $ Oversees all engineering operations including budgeting, scheduling, directing subordinates, prioritizing multiple projects and deadlines, and communication with ...

- ENGINEERING PROJECT MANAGER $ Oversees all engineering operations including budgeting, scheduling, directing subordinates, prioritizing multiple projects and deadlines, and communication with ...

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Software Engineering Project Manager information

See California salary details

$89.3K

$135.7K

$221.6K

How much do software engineering project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineering project manager in California is $135,690.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,700.00 and $149,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Software Engineering Project Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Engineering Project Manager, you need a solid background in software development principles, project management methodologies, and often a relevant degree or PMP certification. Familiarity with tools like Jira, Trello, Git, and Agile or Scrum frameworks is typically required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills set standout candidates apart by enabling effective team collaboration and conflict resolution. These skills ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet technical and business objectives.

How does a Software Engineering Project Manager typically collaborate with development teams and stakeholders?

A Software Engineering Project Manager serves as a bridge between technical teams and business stakeholders, ensuring that project goals align with organizational objectives. They facilitate regular communication through meetings, status updates, and documentation to keep everyone informed and address any issues promptly. By working closely with developers, QA testers, UX designers, and product owners, they help prioritize tasks, resolve bottlenecks, and manage expectations. This collaborative approach helps maintain project momentum and ensures successful delivery within scope, time, and budget constraints.

What is the difference between Software Engineering Project Manager vs Software Developer?

AspectSoftware Engineering Project ManagerSoftware Developer
CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related, PMP or similar certifications often preferredBachelor's in CS, Software Engineering, or related; certifications are optional
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with teams, manages projects, coordinates timelinesFocuses on coding, designing, testing software
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in tech companies, software firms, IT departmentsUsed across tech, startups, enterprise software companies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding project management roles in software teamsLearning about software development roles and skills

The Software Engineering Project Manager oversees software projects, coordinating teams and timelines, while the Software Developer focuses on coding and building software solutions. Both roles are essential in tech companies but differ in responsibilities and skill sets.

What does a Software Engineering Project Manager do?

A Software Engineering Project Manager oversees the planning, execution, and delivery of software development projects. They coordinate teams of software engineers, set project timelines, manage budgets, and ensure that project goals align with business objectives. Their responsibilities also include risk management, stakeholder communication, and quality assurance. By facilitating collaboration between technical and non-technical team members, they help ensure software projects are completed on time and within scope.
What are popular job titles related to Software Engineering Project Manager jobs in California? For Software Engineering Project Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Software Engineering Project Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Software Engineering Project Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Software Engineering Project Manager job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,690 per year, or $65.2 per hour.
Software Engineering Project Manager

Software Engineering Project Manager

KLA Corporation

Milpitas, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Company Overview
KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world's leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow's electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.
Group/Division
With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around the globe rely on KLA to ensure that their fabs ramp next-generation devices to volume production quickly and cost-effectively. Enabling the movement towards advanced chip design, KLA's Global Products Group (GPG), which is responsible for creating all of KLA's metrology and inspection products, is looking for the best and the brightest research scientist, software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The LS-SWIFT Division of KLA's Global Products Group provides patterned wafer inspection systems for high-volume semiconductor manufacturing. Its mission is to deliver market-leading cost of ownership in defect detection for a broad range of applications in the production of semiconductors. Customers from the foundry, logic, memory, automotive, MEMS, advanced packaging and other markets rely upon high-sample wafer inspection information generated by LS-SWIFT products. LS (Laser Scanning) systems enable cost-effective patterned wafer defect detection for the industry's most sophisticated process technologies deployed in leading-edge foundry, logic, DRAM, and NAND fabs. SWIFT (Simultaneous Wafer Inspection at Fast Throughput) systems deliver all-wafer-surface (frontside, backside, and edge) macro inspection that is critical for automotive IC, MEMS, and advanced packaging processes as well as foundry/logic and memory fabs. LS-SWIFT operates from a global footprint that includes the US, Singapore, India and Germany, and serves a worldwide customer base across Asia, Europe and North America.
Job Description/Preferred Qualifications
Responsibilities:
  • Responsible for Technical Project Management of next generation Laser Scan program
  • Work with internal & external customer to define the product and sub systems
  • Work with high performing engineering teams to resolve complex problems and build customer centric solutions thru leading technologies & Artificial Intelligence
  • Responsible for integrating all sub-systems and evaluating the solutions to address the target use cases
  • Deliver the solutions that meets all committed performance specifications & production quality
  • Manage complex projects following defined PLC process and implement best practices across each phase of PLC.
  • Create and manage high confidence project schedules with clear dependencies, critical path, and systematic methodology to communicate status. Manage risks and mitigations, and re-plan as events warrant.
  • Provide clear, timely and objective communication.
  • Strengthen core team relationships through collaboration, influence and negotiation. Be able to lead through ambiguity and change.
  • Proactively identify issues and solutions, and marshal resources necessary to attack and resolve

Knowledge and Skills requirement:
  • Excellent project management skills, including project structuring and managing multiple work streams interdependently.
  • Strong leadership skills, including coaching, team- building, conflict resolution, and management.
  • Demonstrated software technical experience in developing complex products.
  • Strong analytical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving skills.
  • Understanding of complex image processing algorithms, deep learning networks, data pipelines/orchestration, machine learning, control and calibrations, UI ease of use aspects would be a plus.
  • Proficiency with any programming languages. Ability to read and understand code to the extent of making hands dirty is expected.
  • Proficiency in Agile, SDLC R&D development processes.
  • Working with engineering vendors for problem-solving would-be a plus.
  • MS Project is required. Proficiency in and use of project management tools such as IBM RTC is helpful.
  • Ability to communicate abstract ideas clearly and independently manage complex project objectives
  • Business acumen and strategic agility with demonstrated technical cognizance.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, including negotiation, presentation, and influence.
  • Ability to independently draft and present deliverables, recommendations, and communication strategies.
  • Superior group facilitation, interviewing, and influence skills.
  • Strong relationship management skills, including partnering and consulting.
  • Experience in semiconductor fab operations/manufacturing technology (optional)
  • Experience managing business or product development programs within KLA is a plus.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Master's Level Degree with at least 5 years of experience OR Bachelor's Level Degree with at least 8 years of experience
  • 3-5 years' experience in project management.

Base Pay Range: $154,900.00 - $263,300.00 Annually
Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA
KLA's total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave.
Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at talent.acquisition@kla.com or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.
Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA's Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.